Botox

• About The Procedure
• Procedure Description
• Best Candidates for Botox Injections
• Length of the Procedure
• Anesthesia
• Inpatient or Outpatient?
• Possible Side Effects
• Recovery
• Duration of Results
• Risks
• Cost

About The Procedure
Botox is a diluted and purified material produced by the bacteria that makes botulism, a paralyzing neurotoxin. Botox was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1989.

Botox works best on the upper third of the face, on frown lines between the eyes, crow's feet and horizontal lines in the forehead. It temporarily paralyzes the muscle and removes lines and creases in the upper part of the face by inactivating specific muscles that pull on the skin. It works to eliminate the face’s dynamic wrinkles – those wrinkles that are caused not by aging or sun exposure, but by years of facial movement, such as laughing, smiling or frowning.

Procedure Description
Botox is injected with a fine needle into specific muscles with only minor discomfort. It generally takes three to seven days to take full effect and it is best to avoid alcohol at least one week prior to treatment. Aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications should be stopped two weeks before treatment as well in order to reduce bruising.

Best Candidates for Botox Injections
Candidates for Botox Injections must be in good health, have no active diseases or serious, pre-existing medical conditions, and must have realistic expectations of the outcome of the surgery.

Length of the Procedure
Botox Injections take a few minutes.

Anesthesia
Botox Injections do not require anesthesia.

Inpatient or Outpatient?
Botox Injections are administered in the doctor's office.

Possible Side Effects
Though it is unusual, patients may experience some mild discomfort, bruising, and/or swelling at the injection site after a Botox Injection.

Recovery
After Botox Injections, patients can return to work immediately.

Duration of Results
The effects from Botox Injections will last four to six months. The effect of the Botox may take several days to develop. As muscle action gradually returns, the lines and wrinkles begin to re-appear and wrinkles need to be re-treated. The lines and wrinkles often appear less severe with time because the muscles are being trained to relax.

Risks
With Botox Injections, there is a possibility of slight swelling, bruising, or discomfort.

Cost
Expect to pay $200 to $300 per Botox injection.

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